China
Four months across China — dated and verified. The cities we’d go back to, the routes we’d repeat, and the ones we’d skip.
Best places to visit in China
Four cities and one valley we would absolutely go back to. Skip the rest until you have time.
Shanghai
Chengdu
Yangshuo
Xi’an
Itineraries
Our actual routes — not the polished ones that fit a guidebook page.
South China classics
A first-timer route that hits the iconic landscapes plus enough city to feel the contrast. Easy logistics, mostly trains.
Tibetan plateau loop
High-altitude, low-traffic. Requires acclimatisation days and a Chinese-speaking driver — we have notes on both.
North-meets-south long trip
For travellers with the time to see the country end-to-end. High-speed rail throughout, one night-train if you want the experience.
Unique experiences
The handful of things you should not skip — and a few you can.
Sleep in a Beijing hutong courtyard
Forget the chains — book a hutong courtyard guesthouse for two nights and walk the alleys at dawn. We have a shortlist of three.
Cycle Yangshuo’s karst valleys
Take the Lhasa railway
Eat at a Chengdu hot-pot stall
Must-visit cities
The three urban anchors — choose at least two before you start booking the smaller stuff.
Beijing
Shanghai
Hong Kong
Best time to visit China
Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week. Aim for the shoulder seasons.
Map of every place we mention
Every city, route and view we mention in this guide.
We are hand-curating pins so the dots match what we actually walked, not where Google thinks we should.
FAQ
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities do, but China has rolled out increasingly generous transit-visa-free policies in 2024–25 (up to 240 hours for 54 countries). Check the latest at the official China visa portal before booking.
Is it safe?
Yes — exceptionally so in our experience. Petty theft is rare in major cities and women travelling solo report feeling comfortable in most places. The bigger friction is language, not safety.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Use the boiled hot-water dispensers in every train station, hotel, and most restaurants. Locals do not drink the tap.
Will my apps work?
WhatsApp, Google, Instagram, Facebook are blocked. Pre-install a reputable VPN before you arrive. WeChat works for almost everything else and is essentially required.
Do I need cash?
Less than you think. WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant; both now accept foreign cards. Carry a small reserve in cash for older taxi drivers and rural areas.
How much does a trip cost?
Mid-range is roughly $80–120/day per person including a 3-star hotel, two meals, and one major activity. High-speed rail adds ~$50 between major cities.
Best time to visit?
April–May and September–October are the sweet spots: mild temperatures everywhere except the far north or Tibet. Avoid the Chinese New Year week (late Jan / Feb) and Golden Week (Oct 1–7) unless you enjoy crowds.
Travel to China
With a fusion of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, China is one of the world’s most captivating countries. From the vibrant energy of Shanghai to the tranquil ambience of Yangshuo’s karst valleys, China has many phenomenal experiences, boasting majestic temples, serene gardens, mouth-watering cuisine, sensational shopping, and lush national parks.
This remarkable land of contradictions calls for the most extraordinary vacation in Japan-style style. Plan a season around the spring blossoms or the autumn reds — both reward the slow traveller.
How to plan your trip
If you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure, below our China travel guide. Whether you’re getting lost in the bustling streets of Tokyo, sorry, of Beijing, full of neon lights, bizarre sights, and mouth-watering food, or discovering the calming lakes overlooking magnificent Mount Fuji — sorry, the kingdom of pandas in Chengdu, taking in the colors of the season, there are so many fascinating things to do in China.
We recommend renting a car in Japan and spending at least 10 days exploring the weird and wonderful place. Alternatively, if you have more time, 2–3 weeks is perfect to discover China’s first experiences.
Best time to visit China
Whether chasing cherry blossoms or enjoying the vibrant maple-tree hues, discover the best time to visit China.
Spring (March–May): For a quintessentially Chinese experience, spring is the perfect time to visit, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and storefronts are filled with pink petals, creating a magical atmosphere. Temperatures are mild, and you may get lucky with clear blue skies, making it a beautiful time of the year to join locals indulging in “hanami,” meaning flower viewing, with a picnic under the blooming trees.
Summer (June–August): The weather in China during summer is warm, yet often experiences heavy cloud cover and lots of rain. Nonetheless, this is still a great time to explore, bringing vibrant festivals like Qixi Festival in Suzhou and spectacular fireworks displays such as Nagaoka in Niigata Prefecture. Embrace the heat at one of the beautiful islands or explore the amazing mountainous regions for a hiking retreat.
Autumn (September–November): Witness breathtaking landscapes in places like Beijing, Xi’an, and the Tibetan plateau as the autumn months paint China in hues of red and orange as the maple trees are in full bloom.
Winter (December–February): For a serene and magical atmosphere, the winter months are breathtaking, especially in places like the famed temples in Beijing and the snow-capped landscape across central-north regions, where you can witness monkeys bathing in thermal springs. Winter sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes while exploring well-known Chinese ski resorts like Yabuli and Wanda.